Guide to changes to the Use Classes Order in England

As of September 2020, the Government is rolling out changes to the Use Classes Order in England.

These changes introduce three new broad use classes – Class E “commercial, business and service”, Class F1 “learning and non-residential institutions” and Class F2 “local community” – in England only.

Class E will cover a broad range of uses including: retail; cafes and restaurants; financial and professional services; indoor sport and recreation; medical or health services (to visiting members of the public); crèche, day nursery and day centres; offices; research and development; and light industrial.

Drinking establishments (formerly A4), “hot food takeaways” (A5) and cinemas and bingo halls (D2) have been excluded and now fall within the “Sui Generis” use class.
The residential (Class C), general industrial (Class B1) and storage and distribution (Class B8) use classes remain unchanged in all material respects.

Today marks two weeks until the changes come into force. Make sure you and your business are prepared by downloading our Use Class guide.